NMB

I think you're right about needing a month or two before travel. I went back to work in 5 days but was tired for 3 weeks after surgery. I'm definitely feeling much better now and tomorrow marks 4 weeks post. I would feel comfortable traveling abroad now. I have to say it's difficult to adhere to your post op diet requirements. There's so much you have to try and figure out. Some foods/drinks you may like, some you may not and you have to figure it out fast because your body is trying to heal and wants nutrients! Lol. I would think your surgeon could schedule your surgery within 6 weeks of hitting your goal weight. That would have you ready for England and you'd be a ball of energy (probably lol) by the time your busy season hits. Good luck to you!! Excited for you.
(I suffer from osteoarthritis and I know this sounds flippant, but I really felt that this surgery would be a walk in the park compared to my joint pain. So far, it's true. But nonetheless, it is a major life change and it takes time to adapt to it - that's the most "painful" part for me.)

Thank you all. Boatnam1 I do have a question. I've been trying to figure out a good time to do the surgery between life and work stuff. I am supposed to lose 21lb before surgery and call for a Psych appointment within 5 lb of that goal weight. I am supposed to fly to England in late July. But after the England trip my work gets super busy August, September, October, November and December.... I don't want to fly out of country too soon after surgery. If I lose this weight in a month that would put me around April 23rd for goal weight. How quickly do they schedule you for the surgery once you have reached the goal weight and met with the psychiatrist? I am thinking It would be best to be at least a month and a half to 2 months from surgery date before traveling out of country. This is a tight time frame. But I also don't want to have to wait 6 more months to get the surgery either.

I’m so happy I’m finally at 160!!!!!!! I have been struggling for quite sometime to get the scale to move.
Sleeved 121416
sw 316
cw 160
GOAL - 140

Im your same age and finally decided enough is enough, best thing i ever did and wish i would of did it 10 years ago and saved my body form all the damage it has endured being overweight , I went through Kaiser if you have any questions feel free to ask.

I can say upfront that this will be a difficult journey. You will need to adjust to your new life and learn how to manage your nutrients properly.
However, most of the issues you discuss are definitely people who do not follow their programs and change their lifestyles.
Personally, this was the best decision that I have ever made. Fear aside, I would have done it earlier. Fear aside, I am soo happy that I was able to regain my life. This tool saved my life.

Youre eating less and losing weight. Doesnt sound like a cheat to me.

I don't even know where to start with this. . . . .
Are you cheating about your appearance when you wear makeup? Lying about you height when you wear heels? Fooling the world with a push-up bra? 😉
This isn't about looks anyway, it is about health. Studies have shown that people can lose weight, but almost NO ONE maintains weight loss long term. It has to do with the way our metabolism resets after weight loss and our bodies neurohormonal responses to weight loss. The science is behind your decision. It is the best way to maintain long term weight loss.
Your boyfriend should encouraging you to be healthy no matter how you do it. Maybe he is feeling insecure.

JMH. The drinking part is something I wondered and worried about. I have not had surgery yet. chcky, is it normal to only be able to take two tiny sips of Water but be really thirsty? I wonder if sucking on ice cubes would help with the feeling?
I've read some others posts and most seem to be happy and functional. So, I would imagine unless there is a problem that this would clear up?

Have you been able to track how much Water you are getting in a day? I have read that it's supposed to be 64 ounces. Hoping to hear from others farther along about this. Regardless, I would definitely communicate with the doctor though. Dehydration can get serious if left too long.

JMH. The drinking part is something I wondered and worried about. I have not had surgery yet. chcky, is it normal to only be able to take two tiny sips of Water but be really thirsty? I wonder if sucking on ice cubes would help with the feeling?
I've read some others posts and most seem to be happy and functional. So, I would imagine unless there is a problem that this would clear up?